Cornell University

Cornell Careers Beyond Academia / Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program. ASAP works closely with the Careers Beyond Academia and BEST office to help scientists in training learn about fulfilling careers in science policy.

ASAP faculty mentor Dr. Chris Schaffer runs an annual Science Policy Bootcamp course, BME 4440. This terrific, semester-long class introduces science policy concepts and revolves around hands-on policy projects in small groups. Highly recommended!

The Cornell Office of Inclusion and Diversity runs an annual Advocacy Day (note: link is to a prior year’s application) for graduate students to visit legislative offices in Washington D.C. This trip is a great way to get real experience in the legislative process, learn about policy that impacts higher education and research, meet decision makers, and get familiar with Cornell’s Federal Relations office.

In recent years, Cornell has also sponsored several students to attend the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy for Science & Engineering (CASE) Workshop. This two-day workshop bring together scientists from all over the nation to learn about science policy from leadership at AAAS.

National and Beyond

The National Science Policy Network, of which ASAP is a chapter organization, focuses on engaging early career scientists in policy making. NSPN offers a variety of programming and an annual science policy meeting, and act to connect student and post doc groups (like ours!) across the country.

The Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy Coalition is a national super-group composed of other science policy organizations. ESEP hosts science policy happy hours in several major cities and has science policy job listings and resources on their website.

Nature Briefing from the Nature Publishing Group provides quick coverage on current events at the intersection of science and society. You can sign up for daily emails to stay up to date.